UNESCO Declares Udaipur as Wetland City


UNESCO Declares Udaipur as Wetland City 

The journey to this recognition began in 2023 when the state government submitted a proposal to UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention; the Ramsar status will lead to stricter measures against pollution and encroachment 
 
Udaipur Wetland City

Udaipur, January 25, 2025 - UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention has included Udaipur and Indore in its prestigious list of Wetland Cities of the world. This makes them the only two cities in India to receive this honor. Globally, the list now features 31 Wetland Cities. The announcement was made by Union Cabinet Minister for Labour & Employment; and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, through a social media post. The journey to this recognition began in 2023 when the state government submitted a proposal to UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention, leading to the final approval. After this, Udaipur was selected for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme in January 2024.  

Udaipur had long been waiting for this prestigious title. In 2019, Jaipur was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage title, while Udaipur, despite being a prominent heritage city, was overlooked. Earlier, several significant sites in Udaipur were proposed for inclusion in UNESCO's list, such as Jagdish Temple, Eklingji Temple, Shrinathji Temple, Saas-Bahu Temple, Ambika Mata Temple, and locations associated with Maharana Pratap, including Haldi Ghati. Additionally, the Ahar Civilization site at Ayad and Jawar Mines were also highlighted for their historical significance.

Lakes and Birds to Benefit from Conservation Efforts
Udaipur, famously known as the City of Lakes, is home to iconic water bodies like Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Badi Lake, and Goverdhan Sagar. The Menar area, also called Bird Village, hosts thousands of migratory birds annually, some of which have become permanent residents. With this recognition, large-scale initiatives will be launched to conserve these lakes and protect the local ecosystem, including migratory birds.

Stricter Action Against Pollution and Encroachment
The Ramsar status will lead to stricter measures against pollution and encroachment in and around the lakes. Islands will be developed within the lakes to provide habitats for migratory birds, enhancing their conservation.

Boost to Tourism and Global Funding
This new designation will strengthen Udaipur’s reputation not only as the City of Lakes but also as a globally recognized Wetland City, further boosting tourism. Additional funds will now flow from state, central, and international sources to support conservation efforts.

Source: Media Reports

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